EFFECTS OF BLINDING, PINEALECTOMY AND SUPERIOR CERVICAL GANGLIONECTOMY ON FREE THYROXINE INDEX OF MALE GOLDEN HAMSTERS

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Abstract
Blinding young male golden hamsters led to a depression of the plasma free thyroxine index after an 8 wk period. Removal of either the pineal gland or the superior cervical ganglia of blind hamsters reversed the effects of blinding on the free thyroxine index. No significant effects were observed 2 wk after treatment. Previously reported effects of blinding and removal of the pineal gland or the superior cervical ganglia on testicular weight were confirmed. A similar mechanism of pineal inhibition of thyroid function and gonadal function is suggested.